Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc could be facing repercussions from the FIA after dropping an expletive in the post-race press conference for the Mexican Grand Prix. Leclerc, reflecting on a final-corner oversteer that cost him second place, inadvertently swore, saying, “I had one oversteer and then when I recovered from that oversteer, I had an oversteer from the other side and then I was like, ‘f**k’. Oh, sorry! Oh, no, oh no! I don’t want to join Max!”
The slip caught Leclerc off-guard, and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz lightheartedly responded, asking, “Do you have your wallet here?” in a playful reference to potential fines. Leclerc then approached the FIA Media Delegate, apologizing and acknowledging his mistake. However, as per protocol, the Media Delegate reported the incident to the stewards.
The FIA has recently clamped down on driver swearing, referencing Article 12.2.1k of the International Sporting Code, which prohibits “any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA… or the interest of motorsport.” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was penalized under this code after swearing ahead of the Singapore GP, resulting in an enforced day of community service.
The FIA will now decide if Leclerc’s slip warrants a similar penalty or if his immediate apology could result in leniency. Leclerc’s case comes as the FIA maintains a strict stance on public conduct in line with its values, a stance that previously summoned Ferrari and Mercedes chiefs Fred Vasseur and Toto Wolff over critical remarks regarding safety concerns at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
This latest scrutiny highlights the FIA’s commitment to maintaining professional conduct and promoting respectful communication in motorsport, as drivers and teams navigate the intensified oversight.
